The impact of a theory of planned behavior-based training on the behavioral intention of childless couples in Shahrekord

Abstract

Background and aims: Childbearing is known to be the most critical change factor in population construction. So, the present study was conducted to investigate the impact of childbearing education based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) on the behavioral intention of childless couples. Methods: The present field trial was conducted on 70 childless referred to holistic health centers in Shahrekord in 2022. The study setting was selected by cluster sampling, and the participants were selected by convenience sampling. The instruments used were a checklist of demographic characteristics/childbearing and a questionnaire of childbearing intention. Both groups completed the questionnaire before, immediately, and one month after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26. A P value<0.05 was considered a significance level. Results: At baseline, there was no significant difference in the mean scores of TPB constructs, i.e., attitude, social norm, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention, between the two groups (P>0.05). However, the mean scores obtained for the constructs in the intervention group immediately and one month after the intervention were significantly different from those in the control group (P<0.05). Also, the mean scores on the constructs in the intervention group increased immediately and one month after the intervention, indicating education’s impact on the childbearing intention (P<0.05). Conclusion: Training based on TPB increases the childbearing intention in childless couples; it is therefore recommended to create a social support system and design interventions with a further focus on using this model in educational programs related to population growth policies and encouraging couples to have children.